Productivity vs Stagnation: don't be stagnant

As my sister reminded me today, "Not every run is a good one. Sometimes runs just suck." So true. Today's run definitely fell into the suck category! But at least I got out there and did it. 

And now I'm using a scarf (we have to get creative out here) as a wrap to hold my homemade ice pack in place.

I remember learning years ago that if you mix rubbing alcohol and water into a ziplock and freeze it, it works perfectly as an ice pack. The alcohol keeps it from freezing solid so it's able to form around whatever you need iced. That rubbing alcohol I picked up last week sure has come in handy!

I also signed up for a 10k on Valentine's day (I'm hoping for a free t-shirt) to give me a little mid-training motivation. 

Speaking of Valentine's Day, that will be my last holiday in Afghanistan! As far as holidays go I don't mind spending this one here. I've never been big on Valentine's day. Probably because I don't like chocolate or cookies, I don't want some new stuffed animal every year and I don't need presents to feel loved. That being said, protest or not Matt always spoils me and Valentine's day is no different. He knows me too well though and the things he does for me are thoughtful and endearing. This year was no exception.

 I get to eagerly wait until Matt gets his gifts and the kids get their cards, then before we know it, I'll be on my way home! Hopefully in time to decorate the house for Spring! 

I already have a list a mile long of crafts and projects I want to do when I'm home to add to our home decor! I don't understand why people don't want to learn how to use their own two hands to create things to better themselves or their home. If you're too busy, that's one thing. If you look down on people for being 'crafty' or creative though, that tells me that you are too small minded, lazy, or inept to do things for yourself. I encourage you all to try something new and expand your lives. 

While on the topic of constructive pastimes; flappy bird. Why.

Why do people spend so much of their times with brainless games like that, candy crush and whatever else is out there? I don't get it. 

Instead you could be using that time being productive, interacting with loved ones or if you're still glued to your phone at least try out apps that do something good for you. Try out duolingo, it's a game that helps you to learn a new language. There are other trivia apps and even Words With Friends and other word games help you to exercise your brain. 

As I learned from my anatomy and physiology professor in college: our muscles and abilities are use it or lose it. If you aren't exercising your thinking abilities, you're slowly losing them. 

Get smart.

Get fit.

Do something.

You're either a productive member of society or dead weight. Don't be dead weight. 

Best friends, worst ideas

The best stories of your life start with a spur of the moment idea, right? 

Well after my Practical Twin sent me this, my next story was decided.

After about 2.5 minutes discussing how cool her first half-marathon experience was and how out of shape I am we somehow came to the conclusion that we will be meeting up in Nashville to run a half marathon when I return to America. With our loves in tow (sorry Matt and John, I hope y'all don't mind!) we will spend the better part of a Saturday morning running until we think we're going to die. 

Have I ever run a half marathon? 

Nope. 

Did I ever plan on running anything over 5 miles in my life?

Nope.

Why did I decide to do it? 

I still have no idea, but for better or for worse I'm doing it!

After going all-in on this plan I figured I should probably start getting back in shape! Once it got cold out here back in early November my motivation to run completely dried up. My exercise for the last 3 months has been yoga in the comfort of my warm room! Not knocking my Jillian Michaels Yoga DVDs because you definitely get your sweat on, but a 45 minute session full of sun salutations and chattaranga push ups has not prepared me for 13.1 miles. 

After logging zero miles since November I decided I would start out with a 4 mile run and build from there. I decided I would do 3 days this week and then settle into long runs 2 days a week. I thought it was a great idea however my body disagreed! I ran my 4 miles, not at a competitive speed but I finished in under 38 minutes, which isn't a terrible start. I was feeling pretty good about my goal up until I tried to get out of bed the next day! 

I haven't hobbled around this much since I was a senior in high school and I decided it would be a good idea to sign up for sports training and "lifetime activities" aka dodgeball, baseball and kickball all period in the same day, during daily doubles. Don't get me wrong, its a good sore and I welcome it, although my quads SCREAM when I try walking down the stairs! 

I'm still committed to my plan for three reasons:

1. I refuse to let being in Afghanistan make me less healthy and active

2. Matt, being the amazing man that he is, already agreed to run the half marathon with me and is starting his 'training' now too. I put training in quotations because he's already perfectly fit and he's just running because I asked him to.

3. Nashville is going to be 100x better if I'm not hobbling and suffering for the rest of the weekend! 

As always, when you put Carly and I together you are sure to get the best memories, even if the ideas  are a little haphazardous and the planning is non-existent. 

Like the time we wrangled up the boys and decided to go jump off some waterfalls.

And the time we decided to go camping in the woods, with no equipment or supplies.

And the time Carly tried to give herself rabies...